Figure 2. Impact of feeding and exercise status on nitrogen balance. The horizontal axis separates the point at which a positive or negative nitrogen balance occurs. A positive nitrogen balance suggests accumulation of nitrogen; a scenario commonly associated with muscle protein synthesis (e.g., hypertrophy). A negative nitrogen balance suggests an overall loss of nitrogen; a scenario commonly associated with a loss of muscle protein (e.g., atrophy). Fasted-No Ex: State where no resistance training or feeding has occurred. Ex-Non Fed: State where resistance training has occurred without subsequent feeding. Fed-No Ex: State where feeding has occurred but without resistance training bout, a positive nitrogen balance results. Ex-Fed: State where resistance training has occurred with subsequent feeding, a positive nitrogen balance results.